Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China

Third Central puts patients first

New hospital will bring scientific research to the bedside

Tianjin Third Central Hospital is a new hospital for the people of Tianjin, China that puts world-class research at the forefront of healthcare and brings such research directly to the bedside.

The main entry'scentral courtyard is surrounded by the research and education portion of the hospital. Visitors pass through the research gateway and transition from a busy roadway to the more tranquil arrival courtyard at the main entry atrium. The circular connection of research to the bedside is represented by the visual flow of staff between the two buildings, around the central courtyard and across the research gateway into the patient tower.

Situated within a tight urban site, the 139,000-sq-m, 1,200-bed hospital conforms to traditional Chinese cultural standards and introduces elements of western practice. The patient tower is positioned to the south to reduce shadows on the surrounding properties, and patient rooms all face south, a typical featurein Chinese culture.

Wrapping around an existing neighbouring structure to the south, the patient tower rooms redirect patients'views around the building to enhance visual access from the bed. This orientation naturally capitalises upon Tianjin's summer winds and protects patient rooms from cold winter winds, while the staff core is located to the north.

The design enhances porosity by increasing the opportunities for exterior access throughout the building, thus improving interior spatial quality and reducing elevator demand to the ground floor. In the patient tower, inset balconies are provided on each level for staff on the west with patient and public access near the core and corridor ends. The elevated garden spaces on every floor extend patients' and visitors' usable space beyond a patient room or waiting room, thus improving patients'comfort.